Tag Archives: Appetizers

It’s been a while since I’ve touched a basketball. My athletic career peaked in middle school, back when the number of sweatbands you wore was just as important as your skill level. While I never learned to spin the ball on one finger, my ball-handling skills have managed to improve since then—in the kitchen, that is. And if you think ball hogs only exist on the basketball courts, you haven’t seen my party guests when I bring out the cheese ball. Here’s my winning roster for the best ball-shaped recipes.

There’s a certain romantic holiday arriving in five days (but who’s counting?), and a deep pool of molten chocolate and an accompanying pile of strawberries are downright icons of Valentine’s Day. That might have been my original inspiration for featuring these luscious, made-for-sharing fondue recipes…but you know what? I’m fond of fondue all year long. If we could only dunk bite-size snacks into chocolate or cheese once a year, this would be a sad, sad world.

Thinking back to my childhood, I have very fond memories of watching football with my dad. Every Sunday during the season, Dad would settle into his recliner to enjoy the day’s games. I would settle join him in the den, sometimes climbing into his lap like he was a jungle gym, occasionally paying attention to the game, and, more often than not, only half-watching games while I played with my toys.

Growing up, my older siblings had one movie they loved watching over and over again—a movie they knew terrified me. Pretending to be as unfazed as they were, I’d sit and watch it with them. Wedged between sofa cushions, one eye on the screen and one tightly shut for protection from the inevitable, we’d await the terrifying surprise twist we all knew was coming. Each time we watched the film, I’d let out a scream, much to the delight of my brothers and sisters, who’d then taunt me for hours.

Thanksgiving is my absolute favorite holiday. This year will be extra special because it will be the first time my husband and I will host dinner in our new home. There’s more room now for more guests and even more good times! We have many loved ones to invite, but it’s no easy feat planning a holiday dinner for a large group. Continue reading →